Car Maintenance Checklist

Your owner’s manual is the best and most authoritative guide to maintaining your car; different makes and models require specific services at varying intervals. Reading the manual will ensure that you keep up with vital maintenance and also help prevent your being “taken” by mechanics who might try to sell you services you don’t actually need. If you don’t have an owner’s manual, this checklist can be your guide to the essential maintenance every vehicle must receive. Remember, the better you take care of your car, the better it will take care of you.

1. Oil. Check the level every week or so and change the oil and filter about every 3,000 miles.

2. Fluids. Check levels every six months, or before you go on long trips: battery fluid, brake and power steering fluid, transmission fluid and coolant (with antifreeze mixture in winter).

3. Battery. Check to see if the battery terminals and cables need cleaning whenever you have the oil changed.

4. Tires. Check your tire pressure at least once a month and inspect the tires for cuts and signs of uneven wear.

5. Belts. Check drive belts when the oil is changed. You can do this yourself by pushing down on the middle of each belt; if you can push down more than half an inch, the belt should be tightened.

6. Change the air filter. This should be done about every 15,000 miles or so.

7. Safety checks. Whether or not your state requires an annual safety inspection, it’s a good idea to do a periodic check on the following:

• Head- and taillights. Get out of your car every now and then to see if all your lights work. Also check the headlight aim.
• Horn. Make sure it honks!
• Brakes. Check power brakes while the engine is running but the car is sitting still. Push the brake pedal down firmly and hold it; it should stop midway to the floor and stay there. If brakes feel “mushy,” or if pedal keeps moving toward the floor, have your brakes checked right away.
• Spare tire. Take the spare out every couple of months to see that it’s properly inflated.
• Windshield wipers. Turn them on regularly when it isn’t raining and use your washer fluid to see how well the wipers clear it away. Make sure the washer fluid reservoir has plenty of fluid in it.